Now Commenting On:

Hannahan's recovery may open door for bench spot

9/11/13: Jack Hannahan belts a three-run homer to right, his first of the year and his first as a member of the Reds, giving them a 6-0 lead

By Mark Sheldon
/
MLB.com |

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Still rehabbing from October surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, Reds backup third baseman Jack Hannahan remains unable to get into a game.

"He's had typical shoulder recovery issues," Reds manager Bryan Price said on Wednesday. "It's a hard rehab, but it's going to get better. He's had his share of good days and bad days. He's getting closer to feeling capable of playing, but he's got to be able to throw. He's still a little ways away from being ready."

The Reds have alternative options should Hannahan begin the season on the disabled list. Signed in the offseason to Minor League contracts were Ramon Santiago and Chris Nelson, and there are other possibilities.

"Jason Bourgeois has some infield experience as well as an outfielder. He's hit left-handed pitching real well. Kris Negron has been a player that can do both," Price said. "It may play more to somebody that can play multiple infield spots. I think that Skip [Schumaker] will be at second base periodically but primarily be in the outfield. There might be some importance for having someone who has some infield flexibility as well."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.